Immigration: Northern
THE SET Garden Court North is lauded for its public law work, especially in relation to immigration and asylum. With an attractive range of call and experience available, the barristers offer a broad spectrum of expertise, including on matters relating to deportation and the ECHR. Areas of specialism include discriminatory breaches, the points-based system, EEA family reunion, refusal of sponsorship licences, and sovereign immunity.
JUNIORS Children and immigration matters are a big part of Vijay Jagadesham's practice. He is "excellent with clients and a first choice if the case concerns children or vulnerable clients," say clients. He "has a detailed and thorough knowledge of the law." Rory O'Ryan handles complicated and wide-ranging cases. Sources say: "He is meticulous and excellent on procedure." Moreover, he has "a calm and confident presence in tribunals and the ability to cut to the chase without alienating the client." He recently acted in cases involving migrants seeking leave to remain seeking contact with their children under the Immigration Rules or for Article 8 purposes.
THE SET Kenworthy's Chambers has a group of eight immigration practitioners, seven of whom devote themselves solely to the cause. Members appear regularly at the new regional venues of the Administrative Court in Leeds and Manchester and are no strangers to the Court of Appeal.
JUNIORS Gita Patel has appeared before all manner of tribunals and in the Court of Appeal on immigration matters. Her clients have emanated from all over the world, including places as far flung as China, Iran, Sri Lanka and the Lebanon. She has particular experience of representing vulnerable appellants such as children and those with mental health issues. Mark Schwenk is a regular before the Asylum & Immigration Tribunal and, like Patel, has conducted his fair share of Court of Appeal cases. His matters of late include being involved in the most recent country guidance case on Somalia. He shares a set with John Nicholson, who is popular with solicitors as he "always puts the client first and has a great willingness to fight." Others to garner support here include Shazia Khan. Sources praise her as "she looks at cases from different angles and thinks outside the box." She undertakes a lot of tribunal work and is developing her practice in the High Court and Court of Appeal.
Alex Durance of Doughty Street Chambers has more than a decade of experience in immigration and asylum matters. This work sits alongside his highly regarded housing and community care practice. Sources comment that "he is excellent at what he does. He is a calm and intelligent individual."
Melanie Plimmer of Kings Chambers is described by peers as "fearsome in her passion and impressive in her breadth of experience." Her areas of expertise include judicial review, unlawful detention and national security immigration issues. Sources praise her written submissions and add: "She is extremely good at identifying the arguments that have a real prospect of winning and then running with them." The "incredibly experienced and approachable"
Nick Stanage of Doughty Street Chambers is recognised for his work in the latest Palestinian Country Guidance case in the Asylum & Immigration Tribunal. He also undertakes a significant amount of work for private business clients.